“Really?” he questioned, searching her face as though suspecting some hidden protocol he might be violating.

Colleen studied him briefly before her lips curved into a reassuring smile. “Of course,” she confirmed with quiet certainty.

Though separated by a handful of years, she saw no reason they couldn’t interact as equals, as friends rather than formal acquaintances. The unnecessary barriers of formality would only complicate their interactions going forward.

“Alright, Colleen, it is,” Brady declared with newfound ease. “Nice to meet you—Colleen,” he added, testing her name deliberately.

The transition from formality happened seamlessly, as though he’d merely been waiting for permission.

Brady adjusted his grip on the steering wheel. “Should I take you home?” he inquired, already reaching for the ignition.

“No,” Colleen replied with a quick shake of her head. “I’ve already secured a rental apartment. Just drop me at that address instead.”

“Alright,” he acknowledged, waiting expectantly for directions.

Later that day, Hadley emerged from the set, pleasantly surprised to have wrapped filming considerably earlier than scheduled.

By some stroke of serendipity, Eric had also concluded his work ahead of time. As she took off her costume and exited the dressing room, his familiar silhouette appeared in the doorway, as if choreographed by fate.

“You’re early,” she remarked, unable to keep surprise from coloring her voice.

“I have a commitment later tonight,” Eric explained cryptically, his fingers seeking hers with tender deliberation.

“Let’s go home first,” Eric suggested, his thumb tracing delicate patterns across her knuckles. “I’d like to have dinner with you and Joy. I didn’t see her last night—I missed her terribly.”

“Let’s go, then,” she agreed, warmth blossoming in her chest at his thoughtfulness.

M d? g.?

His consistent devotion to both her and their daughter never failed to stir something profound within Hadley—a sense of security and belonging she’d once believed forever beyond her reach.

The moment they crossed the entrance of their villa, a small whirlwind of motion barreled toward them—Joy, transformed into a walking mud sculpture, her excitement undimmed by her disheveled state. “Mom! Eric!” she squealed in delight.

“Oh my,” Hadley gasped, playfully stepping back to protect her clothing. Eric, however, immediately crouched to the child’s level, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Let me take a careful look—whose little mud-covered monkey have we discovered here?” Latest content published on FindN0vel.net

“I’m not a monkey!” Joy protested indignantly, her bottom lip jutting forward in an exaggerated pout. “It’s me, Joy!”

“Is that so?” Eric questioned with exaggerated skepticism. “Let me check more carefully…”

With zero hesitation, Eric scooped her into his arms, mud immediately transferring from her overalls to his impeccably tailored suit in dark, damp patches.

He registered the damage with complete indifference, the expensive fabric forgotten in favor of the child’s delighted giggle.

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